CVE-2019-17094 in WeMo Insight Switch
Summary
by MITRE
A Stack-based Buffer Overflow vulnerability in libbelkin_api.so component of Belkin WeMo Insight Switch firmware allows a local attacker to obtain code execution on the device. This issue affects: Belkin WeMo Insight Switch firmware version 2.00.11396 and prior versions.
Be aware that VulDB is the high quality source for vulnerability data.
Analysis
by VulDB Data Team • 03/26/2024
The vulnerability identified as CVE-2019-17094 represents a critical stack-based buffer overflow within the libbelkin_api.so library component of Belkin WeMo Insight Switch firmware versions up to and including 2.00.11396. This flaw resides in the network communication handling mechanisms of the smart home device, specifically within the application programming interface that manages device operations and remote access functionality. The buffer overflow occurs when the device processes incoming network requests that contain malformed data structures, particularly within the parsing of HTTP headers or command parameters. This vulnerability demonstrates a classic software security weakness where insufficient bounds checking allows an attacker to overwrite adjacent memory locations on the stack, potentially leading to arbitrary code execution. The affected device operates on embedded Linux systems with limited security controls, making it particularly susceptible to exploitation by local attackers who can leverage the vulnerability to gain unauthorized access to the device's operational environment.
The technical exploitation of this vulnerability requires an attacker with local network access to the affected device, as the buffer overflow occurs during network protocol processing within the device's firmware. The flaw manifests when the libbelkin_api.so library fails to properly validate input data lengths before copying them into fixed-size stack buffers. This condition creates a scenario where an attacker can craft malicious network packets containing oversized data payloads that exceed the allocated buffer space, causing stack corruption and potentially allowing execution of arbitrary code with the privileges of the affected service. The vulnerability aligns with CWE-121, which describes stack-based buffer overflow conditions, and represents a significant concern for embedded IoT devices that lack proper input validation mechanisms. Attackers could leverage this vulnerability to execute malicious code directly on the device, potentially gaining persistent access or using the device as a pivot point for attacking other systems within the local network.
The operational impact of this vulnerability extends beyond simple code execution, as it fundamentally compromises the security posture of the entire WeMo Insight Switch deployment. Once exploited, the attacker gains the ability to manipulate the device's functionality, potentially enabling denial of service conditions, unauthorized data access, or even using the compromised device as a command and control node within larger IoT botnet operations. The affected firmware versions represent a substantial portion of deployed devices, meaning the potential attack surface is significant across enterprise and residential deployments. This vulnerability particularly affects the device's ability to maintain secure communication channels and protect against unauthorized access to the smart home ecosystem it controls. The risk is amplified by the fact that these devices typically operate continuously and may be located in sensitive environments such as homes, offices, or industrial facilities where persistent access could lead to data breaches or operational disruptions. The vulnerability also demonstrates the broader challenge of securing IoT devices with limited computational resources and often inadequate security development practices.
Mitigation strategies for CVE-2019-17094 should prioritize immediate firmware updates from Belkin to address the buffer overflow condition in libbelkin_api.so. Organizations should implement network segmentation to limit local access to these devices and monitor for anomalous network traffic patterns that might indicate exploitation attempts. Network-based intrusion detection systems should be configured to detect malformed HTTP requests that could target this specific vulnerability. Device administrators should disable unnecessary network services and implement strong access controls to limit who can interact with the device. Additionally, regular security assessments of IoT deployments should include vulnerability scanning for similar buffer overflow conditions in other firmware components. The remediation process should involve comprehensive testing to ensure that firmware updates do not disrupt device functionality while addressing the underlying memory corruption issue. Organizations should also consider implementing device monitoring solutions that can detect unauthorized code execution or unexpected behavior patterns that might indicate successful exploitation of this vulnerability. This vulnerability serves as a reminder of the importance of secure coding practices in embedded systems and the critical need for regular security updates in IoT deployments.